Star Zia Breaks Her Maiden
Learning to race is one of the most important factors for horses when they begin their racing career. They develop at different stages and even horses with the biggest engines can take time to unlock their potential until they have learnt what to do during a race. Star Zia made a belated debut on the all-weather, back in December, and has shown signs of ability. That was all confirmed when she won on her fourth start, taking the 6f Boost Your Acca At BetMGM’s Fillies’ Restricted Novice Stakes.
Star Zia had progressed in her three runs to date but her keen nature wasn’t allowing her to really finish her races. Enthusiastic early on in her runs meant that she was just over racing, something that Tom (Eaves) was well aware of as he was tasked with the ride. Drawn 9 of 9 wasn’t ideal and immediately after the stalls opened, Tom took back and tracked in behind runners. As her rivals went on in front, Star Zia settled at the rear of the field.
The filly settled a lot better and with plenty of cover she could find her rhythm at the rear. The pace was strong enough as they swung left handed around the tight track and saw the runners enter the second half of the race. With the favourite forcing the issue up front, Star Zia had plenty to overcome when they straightened for home but today she was giving herself every chance of finishing off her race.
As they rounded the bend the field entered the final couple of furlongs and the leaders looked to quicken up. Star Zia traveled well along the rail but she had rivals in front of her so Tom would have to wait and see what happened in the home straight. Still having plenty of ground to make up, the short straight wouldn’t give her much time to lay down her challenge.
The leaders swung off he bend which, for a moment, looked to have given. clear daylight down the inside. Quickly a rival swept across to take that line, meaning Tom had to switch around the three rivals in from of him. Star Zia quickened up nicely to move up to the leaders entering the final furlong. Now Tom asked his filly for maximum effort and she went through with her run. Finishing off well, Star Zia began to assert late on and galloped away from her rivals, securing the win by 1 length.
It was a nice performance from Star Zia, she settled well, travelled smoothly into the race and then finished off strong. She has obviously learnt with her racing and is improving physically too, shown by her finishing burst. Although she won and had a mark of 68 before this race, it is hard to see what the handicapper might do. It looks as though she could be run-in off a similar mark next time and there is no reason to think that she can’t go on from this performance.